Way out west

South west England is rich in wildlife - from the high moors to the coast and out to sea, it's one of the most wonderful regions in the UK. This blog celebrates all that's wild about the region. Here we will share insights into our work to protect

The following press release was issued today by RSPB in the South West today ...

Hundreds of people from across the West Country will come together in Westminster today to ask that their MPs to take a stand in the global fight against climate change.

The biggest ever climate change lobby will bring together people from every walk of life who are passionate about different things, but are united in their concern that climate change now poses a grave risk to the things they love.

People from almost every constituency in the South West, will meet with their MPs face-to-face on the embankment outside Westminster to explain why they want the new Parliament to support national and global efforts to hold back CO2 emissions and build a cleaner economy. Rickshaws will take MPs to meet their constituents amidst a festival atmosphere.

Simon Giarchi speaking for CAFOD in the South West said;

“The people we work with overseas are telling us that a changing climate is pushing them and their communities deeper into poverty. We know it’s an issue of concern for Pope Francis, and as people of faith we’re called to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering.

"This event is about speaking up for the people and things we care about most both here in the West Country and further afield, and by lobbying our MPs, we’re starting a chain reaction that will encourage the UK Government to lead the charge for a more sustainable world for all. No single issue will have a larger impact on humanity over the coming years than climate change, and we want to make sure that the voices of those hardest hit by it in developing countries are heard loud and clear.”

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in the South West said;

“It’s time to speak up for the wildlife we all love here in the South West. Climate change is the greatest long-term threat to our precious wildlife, here and further afield. Politicians and Government need to listen to the voices of the thousands of people here today speaking up for wildlife and other things that they love that will all be affected by climate change. Nature needs our help to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including a Government that creates more space for nature and looks after protected wildlife sites. But nature can also help us to adapt to climate change too, and some of the best solutions can help people cope with a changing environment, whilst also benefitting wildlife.”

Stephen Dominy, speaking for Christian Aid in the South West said,

“Climate change is increasingly becoming the moral issue of our times. Those suffering from it the most in the developing world bear the least responsibility for creating it. As the first country to industrialise Britain has a duty to lead the way in addressing this global problem. We in the South West give so generously to help people in poverty around the world, so of course we are urging our new MPs to make Climate Change a real priority during this Parliament.”

This year, global leaders will sign new agreements on climate and sustainable development - agreements that will determine what kind of future we are shaping for our children.

The Climate Coalition wants our politicians to work together across party lines to create a low-carbon infrastructure plan, covering energy and transport and the restoration of nature. This plan should include:

Supporting a fair global climate change agreement that will end carbon pollution from fossil fuels by the middle of the century – critical if we are to keep global temperature rises well below 2 degrees.

Making sure the new Sustainable Development Goals to be agreed in September 2015 respond to the threat of increasing climate change and deliver low-carbon development.

Ending climate pollution from coal use in the UK by 2023, on the way to phasing out carbon from our power system.

Making 2 million of the UK’s low-income homes highly efficient by 2020, and all 6 million low-income homes highly efficient by 2025.